Quarter-repeating pocket watch with automaton
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1810
This 18K gold pocket watch, attributed to the Genevan firm Esquivillon et Deschoudens, dates to circa 1810. It is a quarter-repeater featuring an elaborate automaton scene integrated into the dial.
The mechanism includes a knife-grinder's workshop where seven distinct automaton actions occur, accompanied by multicolored gold striking jacks that appear to strike bells when the repeater is activated. The watch is housed in an 'Empire' style case, created by the master case-maker Pierre Benjamin Tavernier, characterized by engine-turned patterns of concentric circles on the back and reeded detailing on the bezel and band.
The white enamel dial features Breguet numerals and a central aperture displaying the automaton scene, set against a blued steel background. Internally, the movement is a 19-ligne frosted gilt full plate design with a fusée and chain, verge escapement, and an engraved continental balance cock.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Technical characteristics
- Date
- circa 1810
- Type
- Quarter-repeating pocket watch with automaton
- Maker
- Esquivillon et Deschoudens
- Movement
- 19-ligne frosted gilt full plate
- Case Size
- 55 mm
- Condition
- Good; requires overhaul
- Case Maker
- Pierre Benjamin Tavernier
- Escapement
- Verge
- Case Material
- 18K Gold
- Place recorded
- Switzerland
- Maker / attribution
- Esquivillon et Deschoudens
Design
- Visible features
- • White enamel dial with black Breguet-style numerals • Automaton scene shows a knife-grinder at work with an assistant • Gold striking jacks located at the top of the dial • Reeded bezel and case band detailing
- Dial and Automaton
- The dial is constructed of white enamel and carries Breguet-style numerals with outer minute divisions. The center of the dial serves as the stage for the automaton scene, which depicts a knife-grinder sharpening a blade on a grinding wheel, assisted by a boy who operates the wheel via a large pulley system. The scene is executed in multicolored gold and set against a blued steel background, including a gold brick arch. During the operation of the quarter-repeating function, cherub figures positioned at the top of the dial appear to strike bells. The watch utilizes blued steel Breguet-style hands to indicate the time.
- Case and External Features
- The watch is encased in an 18K gold 'Empire' housing measuring 55 mm in diameter. The case features reeded decoration along the bezels and the band, providing a textured finish. The back of the case is decorated with engine-turned concentric circles. The watch incorporates a master mark, PBT, corresponding to the casemaker Pierre Benjamin Tavernier. A bolt located at the 11 o'clock position functions as a lock for the repeating mechanism. The watch includes a gilt brass spring-loaded cuvette that is fitted directly to the movement ring.
- Movement and Technical Construction
- The movement is a 19-ligne, frosted gilt, full plate caliber supported by cylindrical pillars. Power is transmitted through a fusée and chain system, regulating a verge escapement. The balance assembly consists of a plain brass three-arm balance wheel paired with a flat balance spring. The balance clock is pierced and engraved in the continental style and features a polished steel endplate. A silver regulation dial is provided. The quarter-repeating mechanism functions on gongs which are triggered by depressing the watch pendant, while the automaton sequence is powered by the repeating train.
Identification
- Source note
- Facts transcribed from the linked source listing or collection record. Attribution and specifications are source-reported and have not been independently authenticated.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.
Research required
- Research required: Attribution to Esquivillon et Deschoudens is not stated as definitive
- Research required: The movement condition is reported as needing an overhaul